In House Counsel
Company: Innocence Project
Location: New York
Posted on: March 1, 2025
Job Description:
DescriptionABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECTThe Innocence Project
works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and
create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for
everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in
anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used
DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction.
To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 200 people
who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our
efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative
state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project
continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and
advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit
www.innocenceproject.org.ABOUT THE POSITIONThe In House Counsel is
responsible for providing in-house legal counsel and guidance on
matters related to maintaining the Innocence Project's status and
compliance with legal and regulatory requirements of a tax-exempt
organization; nonprofit governance; contracts and contract
administration; employment and labor laws; internal policies and
procedures; legal issues relating to lobbying, advocacy, and
electioneering; and other topics related to our work. The In House
Counsel reports to the Executive Director and works closely and
collaboratively with the Chief Program Officer, the Chief People
and Culture Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, and other
directors within the organization. We are interested in every
qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States.
However, we are not able to sponsor visas and we are not an
e-verify employer.This hybrid schedule for this position is at
least 3 days per week in-office and up to 2 days per week virtual.
We currently have a hybrid in-office model, with all employees in
the office three days per week and the remainder of the week
remotely. Wednesday is our organization's "anchor day" where all
staff works in the office. The number of required in-office days is
subject to change. THE IDEAL CANDIDATEThe ideal candidate displays
sound legal judgement and excellent oral and written communication
skills with the ability to translate complex legal concepts for
nonlawyer audiences. They have a demonstrated commitment to
antiracism and the work of the Innocence Project, with a proven
ability to center equity and inclusion in their business
practices.In addition, all Innocence Project employees must
embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and
experience of a diverse and heterogeneous staff. We recognize and
appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants
and thought partners. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in
this type of environment. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:Contract Review
and Management
- Develop and manage procurement process and contract management
system
- Review, draft, and negotiate various types of complex
agreements, including technology license agreements, legal services
agreements, non-disclosure agreements, software-as-services
agreements, employment agreements, and vendor and contractor
agreements
- Lead efforts in the preparation, implementation, and refinement
of forms and processes related to contracts and the contracts
management system, including document management and monitoring
compliance. Employee Relations
- Assist the Chief People and Culture Officer (CPCO) and the rest
of Senior Leadership in the development and regular review of
internal policies and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with
legal and regulatory requirements
- Advise CPCO as needed concerning employment and labor law,
especially as related to staff terminations or other changes in
employment status
- Contribute a legal, regulatory, and risk assessment perspective
to the creation of program strategies, development of internal
policies, critical personnel decisions, and important
organizational communication Tax and Exempt-organization Compliance
Training and Education
- Review and support key compliance systems, including lobbying,
electioneering, fundraising, and charitable solicitations
- Support staff's understanding of their own compliance
responsibilities, including developing and delivering training
sessions and materials to educate staff on relevant legal and
compliance issues, such as non-partisan electioneering
- Advise the Executive Director and other senior leaders on
matters of governance, best practices, and potential conflicts of
interest
- Support compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements
of a 501(c)3 organization Risk Management and Outside Legal Counsel
- Protect and enforce the organization's trademark and
intellectual property; provide advice on trademark related
matters
- Advise Chief Communications Officer, Chief People and Culture
Officer and Senior Leadership as needed with crisis response
support, including media-related or other communications-based
crisis, lawsuits, and subpoenas
- Identify and coordinate outside counsel, pro bono and privately
retained
- Assist in the preparation and review of legal documents,
filings, and reports, as needed RequirementsQUALIFICATIONS &
EXPERIENCE:
- J.D. or licensed to practice law
- At least five years of legal experience, preferably at a
non-profit, government agency or law firm
- Membership in good standing in the New York Bar, or eligibility
to practice law in New York
- Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. KEY
COMPETENCIES:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills;
- Strong and engaging interpersonal skills;
- Commitment to antiracism; demonstrated ability to center equity
and inclusion in business practices
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills;
- Ability to translate complex legal concepts for nonlawyer
audiences;
- Ability to provide sound legal judgment and demonstrate
business acumen and integrity;
- Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and for social
justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public
interest
- Shares in the IP's values of accountability, collaboration,
empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus,
and self-awareness BenefitsCOMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKSThe salary
for this position is highly competitive and the Innocence Project
offers an excellent benefits package, including fully-paid
individual health, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending
Account, 401k plan with 6% company-match, paid disability and
family care leave, adoption and fertility expense reimbursements,
and company-paid transportation benefits.WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND
EQUAL OPPORTUNITYThe Innocence Project considers the diversity of
its workforce to be vital to our organization's success in meeting
its mission. We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures,
races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic
classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities
to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal
legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.As an Equal
Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against
any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age,
disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic
characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim
status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other
category protected by law.APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONSTo apply, please
visit our career page. Upload a cover letter expressing your
interest in the role and the organization's work, and a resume
titled with your name in this format (last name_first name_cover
letter/resume). Only applications with cover letters will be
considered complete applications. Information submitted through
this secure site is kept confidential. Due to the large volume of
applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or
direct email. **Applications for this position will be considered
on a rolling basis until the post is filled.** SALARY RANGE$103,705
- $139,370 commensurate with experience.
Keywords: Innocence Project, New York , In House Counsel, Legal , New York, New York
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